The Men’s Service Group (MSG) of the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care was established in 1956 to assist Baycrest with both its fundraising and public relations activities. It also supplied volunteers to help run programs and services for Baycrest’s residents and patients, and acted as a training ground for future lay leaders of Baycrest. Herbert J. Weiss served as the founding president and was succeeded by Charles A. Grosberg in 1960.

The MSG’s activities included driving residents to events, organizing special outings to the theatre, concerts, or sporting events, planning a monthly Sunday Brunch for residents and patients, assisting with recreational programming at Baycrest, and meeting with organizations across Ontario, such as synagogues and service clubs, to disseminate information about Baycrest. The MSG also planned an annual Family Carnival and picnic for residents and their families and organized a variety of fundraising projects, such as its annual Honour Roll publication, an annual Fun Run (now known as the Baycrest Challenge), a letter and greeting card service, garage sales, and the sale of Yarmulkes made by residents. Today the MSG continues to plan and run many of its early projects and services.

The Men's Service Group's Board of Directors (BOD) was responsible for the management of all of the MSG's activities and programs. The MSG's Executive Committee was responsible for carrying out the MSG's business in the interim between the meetings of the BOD. All decisions of the Executive Committee were subject to the BOD's approval. The BOD met at least 3 times each year and had between 50 and 70 members. The Executive Committee met at least 6 times per year and was made up of MSG's elected Officers, committee Chairmen, and other members of the BOD. The Officers of the Men's Service Group consisted of a President, four Vice-President's, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The President presided over all meetings of both the BOD and the Executive Committee.

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of textual records documenting the activities of the MSG's Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Included are meeting notices, agendas, and minutes, slate of officers lists, reports, speeches, annual reports, and invitations.

File consists of various speeches and reports, many of which were delivered at meetings. Topics covered include fundraising projects, the Honour Roll, volunteers, programs, and general information about the MSG's operation and activities.

The Men's Service held at least two general meetings each year. The first meeting was typically held in the spring and consisted of the installation of the elected officers and Board of Directors, the presentation of the annual report, and any other necessary business. In 1962, after the MSG established its "Man of the Year" award, the spring meeting often included the presentation of this award as well as other honours and awards. Other meetings were usually held in the fall and winter and often had varied agendas.

Scope and Content

Sub-series consists of textual and graphic material documenting the planning and implementation of the Men's Service Group's annual and general meetings as well as the selection of award recipients who were honoured at these meetings. Included are invitations, agendas, meeting minutes, meeting notices, programs, speeches, reports, lists, correspondence, financial reports, flyers, a press release, a photograph, and a dinner menu.

The MSG's Annual Dinner Arrangements Committee was responsible for planning all the of MSG's annual meetings.

Scope and Content

File consists of records documenting the activities of the Annual Dinner Arrangements Committee. Included are meeting notices, agendas and minutes, lists of Committee members, budgets, and planning material.

The MSG's "Man of the Year" Selection Committee (or "Man of the Year" Nomination Committee) was responsible for identifying the recipient of the MSG's annual Man of the Year award, which was typically presented to the winner at the MSG's annual spring meeting. The award was initiated in 1962 and was presented to men who had helped improve the well being of the elderly or chronically ill either at Baycrest or elsewhere.

Scope and Content

File consists of records documenting the activities of the MSG's "Man of the Year" Selection Committee. Included are meeting notices, agendas and minutes, lists of Committee members, and lists of past award recipients.